As firefighting crews continue to battle wildfires in Athabasca County, evacuees from Boyle and surrounding area are being welcomed at a reception centre at the Parkland Motel 2 in Lac La Biche at 10710-101 Ave. The reception centre is offering services from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Evacuees can call 726-623-6767 for assistance. The 24-hour line will assist evacuees with sourcing services they need.
John Kokotilo, the regional fire chief for Lac La Biche County, said 190 evacuees have registered at the centre.
According to the County’s social media page, all regular Lac La Biche County operations will continue until further notice, except for the Lac La Biche County Family and Community Support Services programs that have been cancelled. The reason for this is that team members are currently assisting with evacuation efforts.
“We will continue supporting our neighbours as best we can. County residents are reminded that a fire ban is in effect for public safety. Further updates will be provided here as necessary,” the post states.
An evacuation of the village of Boyle began shortly before 11 p.m. May 6. High winds from the south continued to push an out-of-control wildfire burning south of the village in the area of Boyle Fishpond and Ellscott turnoff towards the community. Earlier in the day, some rural residents in the area had been asked to evacuate.
Regarding how Lac La Biche County makes plans with neighbouring municipalities for the purposes of taking in evacuees when there are wildfires and evacuation orders are in place, Kokotilo explained this is done through mutual aid agreements.
The fire chief said the fire hazard index in Lac La Biche County is at extreme, with a fire ban in effect in the county’s permitting zone.
